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Objective: This study aimed to probe the correlation between lung ultrasound score (LUSS) and the arterial oxygen pressure to the inspired oxygen fraction ratio (P/F ratio) in patients with respiratory failure on the first and second days of intensive care unit (ICU) care. Design: This was a prospective, analytic study of LUSS and P/F ratio values below 300 in patients under mechanical ventilation. Setting: We conducted in the ICU of Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in April 2024. Patients and participants: Patients with respiratory failure on mechanical ventilation. Measurement and results: All patients were examined using GE Logiq V2 ultrasonography and blood gas analysis. Of 52 patients, the mean age was 41.62±15.83 years. Most of the samples were male (61.5%), with the majority having a normal body mass index (BMI). In cases of improvement, there was a significant relationship between the LUSS and the P/F ratio of patients with respiratory failure under mechanical ventilation on the first (r=-0.851, p<0.001) and second day (r=-0.682, p<0.001). In cases of worsening LUSS (n=6), it was found that there was no significant relationship (p>0.05) between the LUSS and the P/F ratio of patients with respiratory failure on mechanical ventilation either on the first or second day. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between LUSS and P/F ratio on the first and second day in cases of improvement in patients with respiratory failure under mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ratio of arterial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio) together with the fractional dead space (Vd/Vt) provides a global assessment of pulmonary gas exchange. The aim of this study was to assess the potential value of these variables to prognosticate 90‐day survival in patients with COVID‐19 associated ARDS admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for invasive ventilatory support. Methods: In this single‐center observational, retrospective study, P/F ratios and Vd/Vt were assessed up to 4 weeks after ICU‐admission. Measurements from the first 2 weeks were used to evaluate the predictive value of P/F ratio and Vd/Vt for 90‐day mortality and reported by the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] by Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: Almost 20,000 blood gases in 130 patients were analyzed. The overall 90‐day mortality was 30% and using the data from the first ICU week, the HR was 0.85 [0.77–0.94] for every 10 mmHg increase in P/F ratio and 1.61 [1.20–2.16] for every 0.1 increase in Vd/Vt. In the second week, the HR for 90‐day mortality was 0.82 [0.75–0.89] for every 10 mmHg increase in P/F ratio and 1.97 [1.42–2.73] for every 0.1 increase in Vd/Vt. Conclusion: The progressive changes in P/F ratio and Vd/Vt in the first 2 weeks of invasive ventilatory support for COVID‐19 ARDS were significant predictors for 90‐day mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is among the more commonly occurring complications in postoperative patients. Supplemental oxygen and addressing the primary etiology form the basis of its treatment. Materials and methods: We conducted an open-labeled randomized control trial with 90 adult patients and compared three oxygen delivery vehicles (ODV), i.e., noninvasive ventilation (NIV), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and venturi mask (VM) in postoperative hypoxemic patients. The primary outcome variable was a change in the P/F ratio after 2 hours of use of ODV. Results: It was observed that the change in P/F ratio after 2 hours was similar in all three ODV groups (p = 0.274). The mean values of the post- ODV P/F ratio were comparable with the pre-ODV P/F ratio in all three modalities. The P/F ratio after HFNC was 358.08 ± 117.95; after NIV was 357.60 ± 220.67; and after VM was 355.47 ± 101.90 (p = 0.997). Conclusion: Among HFNC, NIV, and VM, none of the devices proved superior to the other for use in postoperative hypoxemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remdesivir is one of the most attractive options for patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of remdesivir on the hypoxic and inflammatory state in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. We retrospectively enrolled 112 patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia, requiring low-flow oxygen, 57 treated with remdesivir plus standard of care (SoC) and 55 treated only with SoC that were similar for demographic and clinical data. We evaluated changes in hypoxemia and inflammatory markers at admission (Day 0) and after 5 days of treatment (Day 5) and the clinical course of the disease. From Day 0 to Day 5, the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (P/F) increased from 222 ± 62 to 274 ± 97 (p < 0.0001) in the remdesivir group and decreased from 223 ± 62 to 183 ± 76 (p < 0.05) in the SoC group. Interleukine-6 levels decreased in the remdesivir (45.9 to 17.5 pg/mL, p < 0.05) but not in the SoC group. Remdesivir reduced the need for ventilatory support and the length of hospitalization. In conclusion, compared to standard care, remdesivir rapidly improves hypoxia and inflammation, causing a better course of the disease in moderate to severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial to the patient outcome. IL-18 is involved in the lymphocyte response to the disease and it is well established its important role in the complex developing of the host response to viral infection. This study aims at the analysis of the concentrations of IL-18, IL-18BP, INF-γ at the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The serum levels of measured interleukins were obtained through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the free fraction of IL-18 was numerically evaluated. The enrolled patients were divided in two severity groups according to a threshold value of 300 for the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen fraction and according to the parenchymal involvement as evaluated by computerized tomography at the admittance. In the group of patients with a more severe disease, a significant increase of the IL-18, INF-γ and IL-18BP levels have been observed, whereas the free IL-18 component values were almost constant. The results confirm that, at the onset of the disease, the host response keep the inflammatory cytokines in an equilibrium and support the hypothesis to adopt the IL-18BP modulation as a possible and effective therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Gastrointestinal manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appear to be substantial. Fecal calprotectin is a promising biomarker in COVID-19 associated gastrointestinal inflammation; however, its role in the severity of COVID-19 remains limited. We conducted a study to analyze the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and hypoxic intestinal damage. Methods We assessed the severity of 44 hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients based on the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. Inflammatory markers were measured from blood samples, and fecal calprotectin was obtained from stool samples. Results Median levels of fecal calprotectin in COVID-19 patients involved in this study (n = 44) were found to be markedly elevated along with the severity of hypoxemia, as seen in the non-acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) group 21.4 µg/g (5.2–120.9), mild ARDS 54.30 µg/g (5.2–1393.7), moderate ARDS 169.6 µg/g (43.4–640.5), and severe ARDS 451.6 µg/g (364.5–538.6). We also found significant differences in fecal calprotectin levels based on the severity of ARDS (P

Tsukasa Kuwana, Kosaku Kinoshita, Shingo Ihara, Nami Sawada, Toru Hosokawa, Tomokazu Mutoh, Umefumi Iguchi, Katsuhiro Nakagawa, Junko Yamaguchi Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Kosaku Kinoshita, Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamichou Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Tel +81-3-3972-8111, Fax +81-3-5995-1069, Email kinoshita.kosaku@nihon-u.ac.jpPurpose: The characteristics of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who underwent direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP), in addition to steroids and immunomodulators, remain unclear.Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study on 31 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with PMX-DHP in an intensive care unit (ICU) from December 2020 to September 2021.Results: Outcomes 28 days after admission to the ICU were 20 in the survival group and 11 in the death group. Parameters significantly different between the survival and death group before PMX-DHP were percentage of invasive mechanical ventilation (25% vs 72.7%, P = 0.0209), PaO2/FIO2 (P/F) ratio (104.5 vs 75, P = 0.0317), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (2 vs 3, P = 0.0356). Invasive mechanical ventilation avoidance rate was significantly different between the survival (100%) and death group (0%) (P = 0.0012). P/F ratio, respiratory ratio (RR), and lymphocyte counts improved significantly after PMX-DHP for all patients. The lymphocyte counts changed significantly in the survival (P < 0.0001), but not the death group (P = 0.7927).Conclusion: PMX-DHP, in addition to steroids and immunomodulators, may improve oxygenation and alleviate tachypnea by modulating the lymphocyte numbers and levels of various mediator against severe COVID-19 pneumonia. It may be better to perform PMX-DHP before multi organ dysfunction and lung injury has progressed. Furthermore, the early increase in lymphocyte counts after PMX-DHP might be an indicate a positive outcome.Keywords: IL-6, lymphocyte, P/F ratio, respiratory rate, SOFA

PaO2/FiO2 (P/F ratio) is considered a marker of hypoxia/hypoxemia and mortality. Several prothrombotic changes are associated with the decrease of P/F ratio. The role of P/F ratio in patients with arterial and venous thrombosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the association between P/F ratio and arterial/venous thrombosis. One thousand and four hundred and six COVID-19 patients were recruited; 289 (21%) patients had P/F ratio < 200 and 1117 (79%) ≥ 200. Compared to the patients with P/F ratio ≥ 200, those with P/F ratio < 200 were older and with higher levels of glycemia, D–dimer and lower levels of albumin. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that albumin (standardized coefficient β: 0.156; SE: 0.001; p = 0.0001) and D–dimer (standardized coefficient β: -0.135; SE: 0.0001; p = 0.0001) were associated with P/F ratio. During the hospitalization 159 patients were transferred in intensive care unit (ICU), 253 patients died, 156 patients had arterial or venous thrombotic events. A bivariate logistic analysis was performed to analyze the predictors of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients; P/F ratio < 200 (Odds Ratio: [OR] 1.718, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.085–2.718, p = 0.021), albumin (OR 1.693, 95% CI 1.055–2.716, p = 0.029), D-dimer (OR 3.469, 95% CI 2.110–5.703, p < 0.0001), coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 1.800, 95% CI 1.086–2.984, p = 0.023) and heart failure (OR 2.410 95% CI 1.385–4.193, p = 0.002) independently predicted thrombotic events in this population. This study suggests that the P/F ratio is associated with thrombotic events by promoting a hypercoagulation state in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In order to make a definitive diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE), patients to undergo computed tomography angiography (CTA) are selected according to certain criteria. This study aimed to examine the partial oxygen pressure PaO2/inspired oxygen concentration ratio (P/F) as a new parameter to be used for this purpose in addition to the Wells score, which is one of the methods of determining clinical probability. Materials and Methods: This study was prospectively conducted between July 1, 2022, and October 1, 2022, and included 80 patients that presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea and were diagnosed with APE using CTA. The Wells scores of the patients were recorded at the time of their presentation to the emergency department. IBM SPSS v. 20.0 was used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: Of the cases included in the study, seven had a low probability, 57 had an intermediate probability, and 16 had a high probability of APE. The PaO2 values of the patients were 56.7±8.0, 56.1±11.2, and 51.8±9.9 mmHg for the low, intermediate, and high probability groups, respectively. According to the Wells scores, the P/F ratios of the patients with low, intermediate, and high probability were determined as 205.5±72.2, 198.5±62.5, and 183.5±43.6, respectively. Conclusion: There was a negative correlation between the P/F ratio and Wells score, but this was not statistically significant. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to evaluate the P/F ratio in making a decision to perform CTA in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the role of CRP and other laboratory parameters in predicting the worsening of clinical conditions during hospitalization, ICU admission, and fatal outcome among patients with COVID-19. Consecutive adult inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory symptoms treated in three different COVID centres were enrolled, and they were tested for laboratory parameters within 48 h from admission. Three-hundred ninety patients were enrolled. Age, baseline CRP, and LDH were associated with a P/F ratio < 200 during hospitalization. Male gender and CRP > 60 mg/L were shown to be independently associated with ICU admission. Lymphocytes < 1000 cell/μL were associated with the worst P/F ratio. CRP > 60 mg/L predicted exitus. We subsequently devised an 11-points numeric ordinary scoring system based on age, sex, CRP, and LDH at admission (ASCL score). Patients with an ASCL score of 0 or 2 were shown to be protected against a P/F ratio < 200, while patients with an ASCL score of 6 to 8 were shown to be at risk for P/F ratio < 200. Patients with an ASCL score ≥ 7 had a significantly increased probability of death during hospitalization. In conclusion, patients with elevated CRP and LDH and an ASCL score > 6 at admission should be prioritized for careful respiratory function monitoring and early treatment to prevent a progression of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been studied in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 when it may be too late to impact disease course. This article aims to describe real-world iNO use and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with mild-to-moderate ARDS in the United States. Methods: This was a retrospective medical chart review study that included patients who were ≥18 years old, hospitalized for COVID-19, met the Berlin ARDS definition, received iNO for ≥24 hours continuously during hospitalization, and had a partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio (P/F ratio) of >100 to ≤300 mmHg at iNO initiation. Outcomes included oxygenation parameters, physician-rated Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I) scale scores, and adverse events. Response to iNO was defined as >20% improvement in P/F ratio. Results: Thirty-seven patients at six sites were included. A P/F ratio of ≤100 was the most common reason for exclusion (n=146; 83% of excluded patients). The mean P/F ratio (SD) increased from 136.7 (34.4) at baseline to 140.3 (53.2) at 48 hours and 151.8 (50.0) at 72 hours after iNO initiation. The response rate was 62% (n=23). During hospitalization, no patient experienced adverse events, including methemoglobinaemia, airway injury, or worsening pulmonary oedema associated with iNO. At discharge, 54.0% (n=20) of patients improved or remained stable according to the CGI-I. Conclusion: In patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and mild-to- moderate ARDS, iNO was associated with improvement in the P/F ratio with no reported toxicity. This study provides additional evidence supporting a favourable benefit–risk profile for iNO in the treatment of mild-to-moderate ARDS in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Remdesivir is one of the most attractive options for patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of remdesivir on the hypoxic and inflammatory state in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. We retrospectively enrolled 112 patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia, requiring low-flow oxygen, 57 treated with remdesivir plus standard of care (SoC) and 55 treated only with SoC that were similar for demographic and clinical data. We evaluated changes in hypoxemia and inflammatory markers at admission (Day 0) and after 5 days of treatment (Day 5) and the clinical course of the disease. From Day 0 to Day 5, the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (P/F) increased from 222 ± 62 to 274 ± 97 (p < 0.0001) in the remdesivir group and decreased from 223 ± 62 to 183 ± 76 (p < 0.05) in the SoC group. Interleukine-6 levels decreased in the remdesivir (45.9 to 17.5 pg/mL, p < 0.05) but not in the SoC group. Remdesivir reduced the need for ventilatory support and the length of hospitalization. In conclusion, compared to standard care, remdesivir rapidly improves hypoxia and inflammation, causing a better course of the disease in moderate to severe COVID-19.

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccines reduce the risk of severe disease and mortality. However, the association between vaccination status and number of doses and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, a clinical measure of hypoxemia associated with an increased risk of intensive care treatment and mortality, has not been investigated. Methods: We retrospectively assessed a consecutive series of 116 patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 between January and April 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected within 24 h from admission. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between the number of vaccine doses and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r = 0.223, p = 0.012). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Vaccinated patients had significantly higher PaO2/FiO2 ratios than the unvaccinated (median: 250; IQR: 195–309 vs. 200; IQR: 156–257, p = 0.013). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of the number of vaccine doses received in reducing the degree of hypoxia on admission in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appear to be substantial. Fecal calprotectin is a promising biomarker in COVID-19 associated gastrointestinal inflammation; however, its role in the severity of COVID-19 remains limited. We conducted a study to analyze the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and hypoxic intestinal damage. Methods: We assessed the severity of 44 hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients based on the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. Inflammatory markers were measured from blood samples, and fecal calprotectin was obtained from stool samples. Results: Median levels of fecal calprotectin in COVID-19 patients involved in this study (n = 44) were found to be markedly elevated along with the severity of hypoxemia, as seen in the non-acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) group 21.4 µg/g (5.2–120.9), mild ARDS 54.30 µg/g (5.2–1393.7), moderate ARDS 169.6 µg/g (43.4–640.5), and severe ARDS 451.6 µg/g (364.5–538.6). We also found significant differences in fecal calprotectin levels based on the severity of ARDS (P < 0.001), and although the patients were divided into ARDS and non-ARDS groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we found a strong negative correlation between the P/F ratio and fecal calprotectin levels (r = − 0.697, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings support the potential role of fecal calprotectin as a biomarker of intestinal inflammation in COVID-19 as a consequence of hypoxic intestinal damage and as suggested by the reduced P/F ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The classification of Berlin definition is based on the PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, which has been found to have a poor association with mortality. Airway pressures reflect lung compliance and the settings of mechanical ventilators. In this study, we aimed to investigate the change in the severity of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) classification using [PaO 2 /FiO 2 × PEEP] (P/FP) ratio compared to the traditional P/F ratio, and whether the P/FP ratio improves the predictive validity of in-hospital mortality., Methods: Our study sample included patients from the OXIVA-CARDS study. In this secondary analysis, we examined the oxygenation index and oxygen saturation index in relation to the P/FP ratio, as well as the risk of P/FP in mortality. We used Pearson's correlation to assess the relationships between various parameters. Receiver operating characteristic analysis with Youden's index was used to compare the prognostic value of the oxygenation index (OI), oxygen saturation index (OSI), P/F ratio, P/FP ratio, and SaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio for predicting overall mortality. Multiple logistic regression was also performed to determine the impact of mean airway pressure (Pmean), S/F ratio, OI, and P/FP ratio on mortality., Results: A total of 201 patients (with 1543 measurements) were included in the analysis. Overall, 522 (34%) were reclassified into either more or less severe categories. Patients who were classified as having severe ARDS based on the P/FP ratio had significantly lower P/FP ratio, oxygenation index, and A-a O2 gradient as compared to those classified as having severe ARDS based on the P/F ratio ( p < 0.05) at all levels of ARDS severity. On multivariate regression analysis, only the OI significantly impacted mortality ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: We observed that the oxygen index and oxygen saturation index were more sensitive than the PaO 2/ FiO 2 ratio and P/FP ratio. Additionally, only the oxygenation index had a significant impact on mortality. By including airway pressures in the calculation of the OI, its predictive ability is enhanced compared to using the S/F ratio, P/F ratio, or P/FP ratio., Highlights: The sensitivity of mortality by including Pmean is higher as compared to when only PEEP is taken into consideration. P/FP is a weak predictor of mortality as compared to OI and OSI., How to Cite This Article: Vadi SMR, Sanwalka N, Suthar D. Oxygenation Index, Oxygen Saturation Index vs PaO 2 /FiO 2 *PEEP: A Secondary Analysis of OXIVA-CARDS Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):917-922., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: NoneConflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).)

BackgroundPediatric oncology patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pneumonia are at high risk of mortality. Our aim was to describe the epidemiology of ARDS in this clinical population and to identify the association between the oxygenation status at 24 h after diagnosis and the 30-day mortality rates, stratified by the severity of ARDS.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 82 pediatric oncology patients, with a median age of 4 years, admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of ARDS between 2013 and 2021. Demographic and clinical factors were compared between the survivor (n = 52) and non-survivor (n = 30) groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the association between the oxygenation status at 24 h after diagnosis and the 30-day mortality rates.ResultsThe mean airway pressure at ARDS diagnosis, PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio, oxygenation index (OI) value, peak inspiratory pressure, and lactate level at 24 h after ARDS diagnosis, as well as complications (i.e., septicemia and more than two extrapulmonary organ failures) and adjunctive continuous renal replacement therapy, were significant mortality risk factors. After adjusting for other covariates, the oxygenation status P/F ratio (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96–1.00, P = 0.043) and OI value (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02–1.23, P = 0.016) at 24 h remained independent mortality risk factors. According to the Kaplan–Meier survival curve, a low P/F ratio (≤ 150) and high OI (>10) were associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality (50.9 and 52.9%, respectively; both P < 0.05)ConclusionThe P/F ratio and OI value measured at 24 h after ARDS diagnosis can provide a better stratification of patients according to ARDS disease severity to predict the 30-day mortality risk.

Tsukasa Kuwana, Kosaku Kinoshita, Marina Hirabayashi, Shingo Ihara, Nami Sawada, Tomokazu Mutoh, Junko Yamaguchi Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Kosaku KinoshitaDivision of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi Kamichou Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, JapanTel +81-3-3972-8111Fax +81-3-5995-1069Email kinoshita.kosaku@nihon-u.ac.jpAbstract: Hypercytokinemia induced by coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is associated with severe pulmonary involvement, which may lead to respiratory failure. These conditions play an important role in the worsening of clinical symptoms in patients with severe COVID-19. There is no established treatment for hypercytokinemia. We report on two patients whose clinical symptoms improved after direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP), following the administration of the anti-inflammatory agent tocilizumab. Case A was a 70-year-old man diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Despite treatment with ciclesonide and favipiravir, supplemental oxygen was administered due to the worsening of dyspnea with tachypnea. Although tocilizumab was started on day 6, the patient deteriorated into deoxygenation, presenting with the PaO2/FIO2 (P/F) ratio of 92. On days 8 and 10, the patient received PMX-DHP therapy. On day 11, his dyspnea improved. On day 13, his P/F ratio began to improve, and oxygen therapy was discontinued on day 18. The patient recovered without requiring mechanical ventilation. Case B was a 70-year-old man diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and treated with favipiravir, starting on day 0. Despite starting ciclesonide inhalation and tocilizumab on day 2, his P/F ratio was 53. On day 5, he received PMX-DHP therapy. On day 6, his dyspnea improved, as did his P/F ratio, reaching 81 on day 8. Finally, his clinical symptoms resolved, and he was discharged from the intensive care unit without requiring mechanical ventilation. These cases indicate that PMX-DHP therapy might be a suitable treatment option for dyspnea and deoxygenation in COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in cases where an anti-inflammatory agent, such as tocilizumab, has failed to achieve the desired effect.Keywords: blood cytokine, hypercytokinemia, P/F ratio, respiratory failure, tocilizumab

We evaluated the role of CRP and other laboratory parameters in predicting the worsening of clinical conditions during hospitalization, ICU admission, and fatal outcome among patients with COVID-19. Consecutive adult inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory symptoms treated in three different COVID centres were enrolled, and they were tested for laboratory parameters within 48 h from admission. Three-hundred ninety patients were enrolled. Age, baseline CRP, and LDH were associated with a P/F ratio < 200 during hospitalization. Male gender and CRP > 60 mg/L were shown to be independently associated with ICU admission. Lymphocytes < 1000 cell/μL were associated with the worst P/F ratio. CRP > 60 mg/L predicted exitus. We subsequently devised an 11-points numeric ordinary scoring system based on age, sex, CRP, and LDH at admission (ASCL score). Patients with an ASCL score of 0 or 2 were shown to be protected against a P/F ratio < 200, while patients with an ASCL score of 6 to 8 were shown to be at risk for P/F ratio < 200. Patients with an ASCL score ≥ 7 had a significantly increased probability of death during hospitalization. In conclusion, patients with elevated CRP and LDH and an ASCL score > 6 at admission should be prioritized for careful respiratory function monitoring and early treatment to prevent a progression of the disease.

Background: Severe septicemia can result in impaired oxygen perfusion to the tissues. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio) is one of the measurement parameters for hypoxemia. This study aims to evaluate the P/F ratio as a risk factor for hypoxemia against septicemia mortality in children. Method: An observational with a prospective cohort design was conducted. Thirty-six patients with septicemia, consisting of 18 patients who living (survivor) and 18 patients who died (non-survivor). The P/F ratio is obtained based on blood gas analysis carried out in the first 24 hours of treatment recorded on medical records and calculated manually. The P/F ratio has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI 0.71-0.95) with a cut-off of 226. Septicemia children with P/F ratio < 226 who have a mortality risk of up to 6.9 times (RR 6.9; 95% CI 1.719-27.957; p= 0.005) with sensitivity 72.70%; specificity 72.20%; PPV 76.19%; NPV 68.42%. The mean P/F ratio in the non-survivor group was significantly lower than the survivor group 161.60 (95% CI 1.05) compared to 391.09 (95% CI 2.13); p= 0.005). Conclusion: The P/F ratio can be a risk factor for hypoxemia on septicemia mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccines reduce the risk of severe disease and mortality. However, the association between vaccination status and number of doses and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, a clinical measure of hypoxemia associated with an increased risk of intensive care treatment and mortality, has not been investigated. Methods: We retrospectively assessed a consecutive series of 116 patients admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 between January and April 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected within 24 h from admission. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between the number of vaccine doses and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r = 0.223, p = 0.012). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Vaccinated patients had significantly higher PaO2/FiO2 ratios than the unvaccinated (median: 250; IQR: 195–309 vs. 200; IQR: 156–257, p = 0.013). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of the number of vaccine doses received in reducing the degree of hypoxia on admission in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

In a productive process, the achievement of products occurs simultaneously with residues generation. Environmental impact of residues is an important issue in energy systems analysis due to environmental regulations and sustainability assessment. Many waste treatment methodologies have been proposed and applied in thermoeconomics. However, this is a complex problem and the solution depends on the residue nature and its formation process. Most conventional methodologies are based on productive diagrams, using productive flows only, and allocate the residues cost among the productive equipment. This work surveys the main conventional methodologies for treatment of waste and presents an improved/updated methodology based on a comprehensive diagram, in which both physical and productive flows are represented and their flows cost are assessed and the subsystems are connected using the same physical flows presented in the flowsheet of the plant. Both the CGAM system and a combined cycle are analyzed. Comparisons are made with literature results, considering the same case studies. The presented methodology obtains consistent results from the point of view of the cost allocation in thermoeconomics. The novelty of this updated approach concerns how the residue cost is allocated in the comprehensive diagram: it is reinternalized in the internal loop of physical flows, instead of in the productive unit. It represents advantages since the equipment product/fuel ratio index is not affected, which is beneficial for thermoeconomic diagnosis application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 associated ARDS (CARDS) holds a high risk of thromboembolic complications, including thrombosis in the site of arterial catheters, commonly positioned for ABG monitoring. • spO2/FiO2 ratio (S/F) and ROX index (S/F + 1/RR) show a strong correlation with P/F values in patients with CARDS and are useful non invasive parameters to avoid catheter related complications. • The correlation between S/F and P/F is stronger than the correlation between ROX index and P/F, likely because of a wide dispersion of RR values due to the phenomenon of "silent hypoxemia", typical of the patients with CARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) to the fraction of inspiratory oxygen concentration (FiO2) is an indicator of pulmonary shunt fraction. PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio is used to classify severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With the same shunt fraction, P/F ratio decreases with increases in FiO2 which may lead to errors in classifying severity of ARDS. The effect of FiO2 on P/F ratio has not been investigated in COVID-19 pneumonia. In this study, we estimated the best FiO2 for the calculation of P/F ratio in a sample of patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: Blood gas and ventilatory data of 108 COVID-19 ARDS patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional observational study. Using Oxygen Status Algorithm the calculated shunt fraction served a basis for calculating P/F ratio for different FiO2. The severity of ARDS determined by P/F ratios at each FiO2s was compared with the shunt-based severity to find the optimum FiO2 for calculation of P/F ratio so the resulting classification has the best match with the reference classification. Results: A FiO2 of 1.0 for calculation of P/F ratio and ARDS classification showed the best match with shunt-based ARDS classification. A regression model was obtained with the PaO2, patient's original FiO2, Hemoglobin concentration, and SaO2 as the independent predictors of the P/F ratio for the FiO2 of 1.0. Conclusion: This study shows a FiO2 of 1.0 as the best value for correct calculation of P/F ratio and proper classification of ARDS.

Background One of the diagnostic criteria for acute lung injury (ALI) is the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. This measurement is obtained by blood gas analysis, which involves an invasive procedure (arterial blood draw). In order to reduce invasive procedures on critically ill patients, an alternative non-invasive marker for ALI is needed. The SpO2/FiO2 (S/F) ratio attained by pulse oximetry may be a suitable alternative. Objective To investigate for a correlation between S/F ratio and P/F ratio, in order to find an alternative non-invasive marker of ALI. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan from August 2012 to June 2013. Subjects (children aged 1 month – 18 years) underwent blood gas analysis when their pulse oximetry showed saturation of 80-97% within 24 hours of ventilator use. We measured PaO2, SpO2, and FiO2 and calculated S/F and P/F ratios. Data were analyzed by Spearman’s correlation and linear regression tests. Results Of 69 PICU patients, 39 children fulfilled the criteria for ALI. The S/F ratio and P/F ratio had a weak correlation (r=0.2; P=0.18). The linear regression equation was S/F ratio = 129.67 + 0.11 (P/F), with S/F ratio values of 162.67 and 151.67 correlating to P/F ratio values of 300 and 200, respectively. Conclusion The S/F ratio has a weak correlation with P/F ratio for ALI in children.

Management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents one of the greatest challenges in intensive care and despite all efforts mortality remains high. One common phenotype of ARDS is that of a secondary injury to a dysregulated inflammatory host response resulting in increased capillary congestion, interstitial lung edema, atelectasis, pulmonary embolism, muscle wasting, recurring infectious episodes, and multiple organ failure. In cases of hyperinflammation, immunomodulation by extracorporeal cytokine removal such as the CytoSorb hemoadsorption cartridge could conceptually enhance lung recovery during the early course of the disease. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the currently available data in this field and to provide an overview of pathophysiology and rationale for the use of CytoSorb hemoadsorption in patients with hyperinflammatory ARDS., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: KK received honoraria from CytoSorbents Europe GmbH. DT serves as a consultant for CytoSorbents Europe GmbH. ZM is full time employee of CytoSorbents Europe GmbH. The other authors state that they have no conflicts of interest.

The effects of hyperoxia on the neurological outcomes of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are still controversial. We examined whether the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and hyperoxia were associated with neurological outcomes and survival by conducting post-hoc analyses of the Brain Hypothermia (B-HYPO) study, a multi-center randomized controlled trial of mild therapeutic hypothermia for severe TBI. The differences in PaO2 and PaO2/fraction of inspiratory oxygen (P/F) ratio on the 1st day of admission were compared between patients with favorable ( n = 64) and unfavorable ( n = 65) neurological outcomes and between survivors ( n = 90) and deceased patients ( n = 39). PaO2 and the P/F ratio were significantly greater in patients with favorable outcomes than in patients with unfavorable neurological outcomes (PaO2: 252 ± 122 vs. 202 ± 87 mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.008; P/F ratio: 455 ± 171 vs. 389 ± 155, respectively, p = 0.022) and in survivors than in deceased patients (PaO2: 242 ± 117 vs. 193 ± 75 mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.005; P/F ratio: 445 ± 171 vs. 370 ± 141, respectively, p = 0.018). Similar tendencies were observed in subgroup analyses in patients with fever control and therapeutic hypothermia, and in patients with an evacuated mass or other lesions (unevacuated lesions). PaO2 was independently associated with survival (odds ratio 1.008, p = 0.037). These results suggested that early-stage hyperoxia might be associated with favorable neurological outcomes and survival following severe TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental and statistical study was performed for the purification of hydrogen in an H/CO mixture using the PSA process with activated carbon. This process has been extensively used for the high purification of gas mixtures. Central composite design (CCD) was used for the modeling and optimization of the process, regardless of complex and time-consuming equations generally employed in the literature. The statistical analysis of models, as obtained from the CCD method, revealed that distinct second-order polynomial equations, with F-value more than 200, p-value less than 0.0001, and R-squared more than 0.9900, could predict the experimental data for purity, recovery and productivity of hydrogen. Based on the established models, as the purge-to-feed (P/F) ratio increased, the purity increased, while the recovery and productivity decreased. The recovery and productivity first increased and then decreased as adsorption time increased. Thus, the optimal condition of the PSA process was obtained using the CCD models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple logistic regression was applied to milk yield and composition data for 632 records of healthy cows and 61 records of ketotic cows in Hokkaido, Japan. The purpose was to diagnose ketosis based on milk yield and composition, simultaneously. The cows were divided into two groups: (1) multiparous, including 314 healthy cows and 45 ketotic cows and (2) primiparous, including 318 healthy cows and 16 ketotic cows, since nutritional status, milk yield and composition are affected by parity. Multiple logistic regression was applied to these groups separately. For multiparous cows, milk yield (kg/day/cow) and protein-to-fat (P/F) ratio in milk were significant factors (P<0.05) for the diagnosis of ketosis. For primiparous cows, lactose content (%), solid not fat (SNF) content (%) and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) content (mg/dl) were significantly associated with ketosis (P<0.01). A diagnostic rule was constructed for each group of cows: (1) 9.978 × P/F ratio + 0.085 × milk yield <10 and (2) 2.327 × SNF - 2.703 × lactose + 0.225 × MUN <10. The sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) of the diagnostic rules were (1) 0.800, 0.729 and 0.811; (2) 0.813, 0.730 and 0.787, respectively. The P/F ratio, which is a widely used measure of ketosis, provided the sensitivity, specificity and AUC values of (1) 0.711, 0.726 and 0.781; and (2) 0.678, 0.767 and 0.738, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) to the fraction of inspiratory oxygen concentration (FiO2) is an indicator of pulmonary shunt fraction. PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio is used to classify severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With the same shunt fraction, P/F ratio decreases with increases in FiO2 which may lead to errors in classifying severity of ARDS. The effect of FiO2 on P/F ratio has not been investigated in COVID-19 pneumonia. In this study, we estimated the best FiO2 for the calculation of P/F ratio in a sample of patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: Blood gas and ventilatory data of 108 COVID-19 ARDS patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional observational study. Using Oxygen Status Algorithm the calculated shunt fraction served a basis for calculating P/F ratio for different FiO2. The severity of ARDS determined by P/F ratios at each FiO2s was compared with the shunt-based severity to find the optimum FiO2 for calculation of P/F ratio so the resulting classification has the best match with the reference classification. Results: A FiO2 of 1.0 for calculation of P/F ratio and ARDS classification showed the best match with shunt-based ARDS classification. A regression model was obtained with the PaO2, patient's original FiO2, Hemoglobin concentration, and SaO2 as the independent predictors of the P/F ratio for the FiO2 of 1.0. Conclusion: This study shows a FiO2 of 1.0 as the best value for correct calculation of P/F ratio and proper classification of ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric oncology patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pneumonia are at high risk of mortality. Our aim was to describe the epidemiology of ARDS in this clinical population and to identify the association between the oxygenation status at 24 h after diagnosis and the 30-day mortality rates, stratified by the severity of ARDS., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 82 pediatric oncology patients, with a median age of 4 years, admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of ARDS between 2013 and 2021. Demographic and clinical factors were compared between the survivor ( n = 52) and non-survivor ( n = 30) groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the association between the oxygenation status at 24 h after diagnosis and the 30-day mortality rates., Results: The mean airway pressure at ARDS diagnosis, PaO 2 /FiO 2 (P/F) ratio, oxygenation index (OI) value, peak inspiratory pressure, and lactate level at 24 h after ARDS diagnosis, as well as complications (i.e., septicemia and more than two extrapulmonary organ failures) and adjunctive continuous renal replacement therapy, were significant mortality risk factors. After adjusting for other covariates, the oxygenation status P/F ratio (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96-1.00, P = 0.043) and OI value (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02-1.23, P = 0.016) at 24 h remained independent mortality risk factors. According to the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, a low P/F ratio (≤ 150) and high OI (>10) were associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality (50.9 and 52.9%, respectively; both P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The P/F ratio and OI value measured at 24 h after ARDS diagnosis can provide a better stratification of patients according to ARDS disease severity to predict the 30-day mortality risk., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Huang, Xu, Pei, Huang, Chen, Tang, Jiang and Li.)

Abstract: Inhalation injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in thermally injured patients but is difficult to quantify. A number of parameters can be useful evaluating inhalation injury including bronchoscopy, PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio, and carboxyhaemaglobin (COHb) levels. Identification of markers that permit early detection of the degree of damage caused by inhalation injury is important to predict patient survival. In this retrospective study we evaluated the potential of using the P/F ratio, bronchoscopic findings and the COHb level to assess the severity of the inhalation injury in adults. A retrospective review of all patients admitted with inhalation injuries to the intensive care unit (ICU) from January 1995 to December 2002 was conducted and of the 110 patients 105 Casenotes were obtained and investigated. The total burn surface area (TBSA), age and bronchoscopic findings showed a positive correlation with mortality. There was no significant correlation between COHb levels and mortality, but there was a significant correlation between P/F ratio and mortality in adults. Logistic regression indicated that the combination of TBSA, age and P/F ratio was highly predictive of mortality following major burns. This study supports the predictive nature of the P/F ratio in relation to survival in adults. Larger prospective studies using bronchoscopic findings and P/F ratio would give us a better indication as to the value of a scoring system in adults that are admitted with inhalation injuries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of kinetic therapy beds for automated prone positioning and axial rotation in critically ill nontrauma patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There were 17 patients with ARDS who underwent automated prone positioning using a kinetic therapy bed. The mean age was 51 ± 14 years; 12 were females and 12 were Caucasian. The most common admission diagnosis was sepsis (n = 5). The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) 2 score was 30 ± 9 with mean predicted mortality of 65% ± 25%. At the time of prone positioning, all patients met the criteria for ARDS. The mean ratio of PaO2 to FIO2 (P/F ratio) before initiation of prone positioning was 89 ± 33 and rose to 224 ± 92 after at least 30 minutes of prone positioning (P < .0001). There was no significant change in PaCO2 or mean airway pressure. There were no instances of accidental endotracheal tube and central or peripheral venous or arterial catheter dislodgement. Eleven (65%) patients developed new pressure ulcers, 10 (59%) patients developed new skin tears, and all had conjunctival edema during the course of prone positioning. The median duration of automated prone positioning was 6 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.5-8.5) days. Eleven (65%) patients died during hospitalization and 7 required percutaneous tracheostomy for long-term ventilator support. Automated prone positioning using a kinetic therapy bed is a safe and effectivemeans of improving oxygenation in critically ill patients with ARDS. Larger randomized studies are needed to compare it to conventional ventilation strategies, conventional prone positioning, and to assess the impact on mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been studied in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 when it may be too late to impact disease course. This article aims to describe real-world iNO use and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with mild-to-moderate ARDS in the United States., Methods: This was a retrospective medical chart review study that included patients who were ≥18 years old, hospitalized for COVID-19, met the Berlin ARDS definition, received iNO for ≥24 hours continuously during hospitalization, and had a partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2 )/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2 ) ratio (P/F ratio) of >100 to ≤300 mmHg at iNO initiation. Outcomes included oxygenation parameters, physician-rated Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale scores, and adverse events. Response to iNO was defined as >20% improvement in P/F ratio., Results: Thirty-seven patients at six sites were included. A P/F ratio of ≤100 was the most common reason for exclusion ( n =146; 83% of excluded patients). The mean P/F ratio (SD) increased from 136.7 (34.4) at baseline to 140.3 (53.2) at 48 hours and 151.8 (50.0) at 72 hours after iNO initiation. The response rate was 62% ( n =23). During hospitalization, no patient experienced adverse events, including methemoglobinaemia, airway injury, or worsening pulmonary oedema associated with iNO. At discharge, 54.0% ( n =20) of patients improved or remained stable according to the CGI-I., Conclusion: In patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and mild-to-moderate ARDS, iNO was associated with improvement in the P/F ratio with no reported toxicity. This study provides additional evidence supporting a favourable benefit-risk profile for iNO in the treatment of mild-to-moderate ARDS in patients with COVID-19 infection., Competing Interests: Disclosure and potential conflicts of interest: SSK, SLC, SR, JB and RS were employees of OPEN Health during the course of the study. OPEN Health received consulting fees from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, which funded the study. R-JS, DS, NS, ED, and GJW were employees of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals while the study was being conducted. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Potential Conflicts of Interests form for the authors is available for download at: https://www.drugsincontext.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/dic.2022-1-4-COI.pdf, (Copyright © 2022 Abman SH, Fox NR, Malik MI, Kelkar SS, Corman SL, Rege S, Bhaloo J, Shah R, Shei R-J, Saporito D, Shamseddine N, DeBoer E, Wan GJ, on behalf of the NOTICE Study Investigators.)

An experimental and theoretical study is performed for bulk separation of H/CO mixture (70/30 volume %) by PSA process with zeolite 5A, a process widely used commercially in conjunction with the catalytic steam reforming of natural gas or naphtha. For the optimized adsorption conditions of PSA, the characteristics of adsorption/desorption characteristics have been studied through breakthrough and desorption experiments under various conditions. The purge-to-feed ratio is important to the H product purity only at a long adsorption step time. H could be concentrated from 70% in the feed to 99.99% at H recovery of 67.5%. The results of all five steps in PSA are successfully predicted by the LDF model considering an energy balance and nonlinear isotherm. For the model, the effective diffusivities (D,) are obtained separately from the uptake curves of H and CO. The Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm is used to correlate the experimental equilibrium data and is very well fitted to the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the reason for the global pandemic that started from Wuhan, China, in December 2019, known as coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19). Acute respiratory distress syndrome happened in COVID-19 not just because of uncontrolled viral replication but also because of an uncontrolled immune reaction from the host. That's why antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatments have become an increasing concern for clinicians. Methods A retrospective quasi-experimental study design was used to assess the effectiveness of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone in the improvement of PaO 2 /FiO 2 (P/F) ratio in COVID-19 patients. We included 60 participants for this study by using a convenient sampling technique and divided them into two groups with 30 patients in each group. Group 1 was given dexamethasone 8 mg twice daily, and group 1 given methylprednisolone 40 mg twice daily for eight days. We recorded C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin level, and P/F ratio before administration of both drugs and after administration of drugs for eight days. We used the paired t-test to assess the effect of both drugs on the P/F ratio of participants. Results The initial mean CRP in group 1 was 110.34, which reduced to 19.45 after administration of dexamethasone; similarly, the CRP in group 2 was 108.65, which reduced to 43.82 after administering methylprednisolone for eight days. In P/F ratio improvement, the calculated significance value for dexamethasone (p=0.000) was less than the table value at 0.05 in all sections, p-value for methylprednisolone (p=0.009) was also less than the table value at 0.05, which shows that both dexamethasone and methylprednisolone were effective in improving P/F ratio. Calculated p-value for dexamethasone (p=0.000) was lower than the calculated p-value for methylprednisolone (p=0.009), which shows that dexamethasone is more effective as compare to methylprednisolone. Conclusions Steroid therapy is effective in controlling inflammation markers, and especially dexamethasone is significantly effective in improving the P/F ratio in COVID-19 patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Rana et al.)